Harness Racing Nieuw -Zeeland (HRNZ) will use all 12 recommendations of the Independent Review in the 2YO Young Guns Trot Series Final, held in Alexandra Park on 10 May 2025.
The assessment was carried out by an independent panel of experienced professionals with legal and industrial expertise, according to concern about the suitability criteria for the series.
These concerns were requested after a horse that had not participated in a heat was allowed to start in the final and won the final.
HRNZ CEO Brad Steele says that the implementation of the recommendations of the assessment will benefit the racing of harness.
“The panel has made 12 recommendations and HRNZ strives to implement them all. They are logical and will strengthen our industry.
“The assessment found no evidence of incorrect behavior, but it identified various areas of improvement, especially which makes it easier for our regulations to understand and improve how we communicate,” says Brad Steele.
Steele says that the decision to allow non-heating runners to dispute the definitive exposed the need to update the regulations and to improve how decisions are communicated.
“The regulations we operate must be much clearer, so they offer better guidance. It is also clear that we have to improve how we communicate with industry, so changes in racing programming are clearly understood.
“In this case, if our communication had been better, trainers could have made an informed decision about whether or not to circumvent a heat and immediately go to the final or choose to compete in the heats.
“Trainers deserve to have all the facts in making decisions for their horses. We recognize the shortcomings and are committed to do better.”
“Honesty is not just a principle; it is the basis of our racing culture. Every decision we make must demonstrate this commitment.
“While the assessment confirms the integrity behind the process, perception is ready.
A complete assessment of the regulatory framework will be carried out by HRNZ in consultation with our industry. The aim is to ensure that racing, accessible, accessible and applied consistently. This is expected to be completed on July 31, 2026.
To read the full report and all 12 recommendations, Click here.
A visual summary of the response actions and timelines of HRNZ is included below, or Click here to download.
Van Harness Racing New Zealand
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